🌿 Cannabis merger, robot heart surgery, and the San Francisco Giants
Plus a campervan conversion company getting into tech?
Here's your Campfire for the 18th of March, 2024.
💼 This issue of Campfire is sponsored by Geovation Scotland. If you’re building in land, property, and location technologies, make sure you read more about what Geovation Scotland can offer below.
🌊 Updates
🎫 Edinburgh-based ticketing and bookings platform Citizen Ticket announced a number of new international and UK client, including with the San Francisco Giants baseball team in the US. DGT TS
❤️ Perth-based Voyager Life (the Scottish CBD health and wellness business) is merging with Jersey-based Northern Leaf to create the first virtually integrated cannabis company in Britain (medical and over-the-counter markets). TS
💊 Building in biotech? FlexBio (biotech scale-up and lab facility based at Heriot-Watt University) has received funding to build a 300-litre capacity ‘fermenter’ that will be open access for biotech businesses in the region to use and test new bio-based products. FS UKTN
⚖️ Edinburgh-based lawtech companies Valla and Amiqus have announced a new partnership that will give Amiqus users access to Valla’s AI platform that provides simple and easy access to legal support for thousands of workers across the UK. DGT
🌱 Strathclyde Business School and the Scottish National Investment Bank have partnered up to launch a new ESG-focused investor readiness programme to growth-stage businesses. DGT
🏄♀️ The AccelerateHER Showcase in Dundee featured 14 female founders presenting an overview of their companies and pitching for potential investment to an invited audience They included VanFill, FOMO, Cascade Water Products, Gifted Kind, Spectral Wrender, Tax Torch, Three Robins, Everyday People, Practest, Gutsy Health, Rosa Lifestyle, Your Choice Yearbooks, Rethink Carbon, and Brain Innovation. DGT
🫀 Glasgow-based CardioPrecision (a specialist in less invasive treatment of structural heart disease) recently demonstrated a proof-of-concept AVATAR (Advanced Videoscopic Aortic valve surgery by Transcervical Approach using Robot-assistance) procedure. Their goal is to enable robotic aortic valve replacement through a tiny incision in the neck. SS
📈 According to analysis by RSM, the number of new technology companies incorporated in Scotland increased by more than a fifth (21%) last year to 1,553. This puts Scotland’s tech sector just behind the UK national average of 22%. IN
📦 Dumfries-based Smart Green Shipping (SGS) (wind-powered solutions to accelerate shipping’s green transition) has started on-land testing of its ‘FastRig’ wingsail. The aluminium wingsail harnesses wind power to deliver thrust to a ship and can apparently reduce shipping emissions by up to 30%. ST
🚐 From campervan conversions to tech? Jerba Campervans (a Scottish campervan converter company) has developed its own touch-screen infotainment system and software to enable customers to better control lights and locks in small campervans. SS
📣 Asks & Offers
⚙️Do you dream about prototyping? The University of St Andrews has just opened its Rapid Prototyping Centre with facilities like HD 3D Printing Studio with premium materials, a 3D design office suite, electromechanical engineering equipment and machinery, and an electronics design studio (clean room environment). They offer services like high quality 3D scanning, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, fused deposition modelling and much much more. Campfire readers get a 10% discount (just quote CAMP10). Email them here, and find out more here.
👭 Interested in connecting with possible co-founders? Fill in your listing on Cofounder Curious today! Connect with others for possible cofounder matching here.
✍️ Want to write something for Campfire? Have an opinion you'd like to share? get in touch!
🌍 Navigating the data: Demystifying Geovation Scotland
by Robert Gelb, written in partnership with Geovation Scotland
Personally, when I think about organisations like Ordnance Survey and Registers of Scotland, I think of walking through forests around the country, becoming curious about a ruin, and wondering what it might have been used for. I think of government agencies keeping records, and centuries of keen map makers charting the undulations and rock formations since the time of the Jacobites.
So, what does any of that have to do with startup founders? Exactly the kind of silly question an ignoramus like me might (and did) ask the good folks from Geovation Scotland. I sat down with Geovation Scotland Delivery Lead Jess Sibley, and Start-up Community Engagement Manager Alex Gordon who (very patiently) listened to my questions. It turns out, Geovation Scotland is a collaboration between Registers of Scotland and Ordnance Survey, that has been purpose-built to help startup founders navigate and innovate using the valuable data that these organisations hold.
Or as Jess puts it, "Geovation Scotland is the only organisation specifically designed to support early-stage startups innovating in land, property and location technologies in Scotland."
The cornerstone of that support includes an accelerator programme and a vibrant community of subject-matter experts and startup founders building in a number of different spaces.
The Accelerator programme (which is open for applications now until the 6th of May) is a twelve-month bespoke cohort-based programme that's customised to each individual member. Jess explains, "The first six months is intense incubation followed by six months of market support. From validation, exploration, to traction; we're able to offer specific support that founders building in land and property tech might need."
When I ask them to paint me a picture of a typical founder, Jess answers that it's hard to pin down just one. "Sometimes we get super technical founders who definitely can build, but not maybe as comfortable in selling or pitching. And then on the other side, we have people that could talk about the product all day and could sell it, but just don't know how to build it, wouldn't know where to start, and don't speak that technical language."
What’s cool is that Geovation Scotland has got the resources and content (ranging from technical assistance to bus-dev advice) to support founders anywhere on their journey, from the idea through to post-seed stage. On top of this, they have a vibrant community with a mentorship network, filled with professional experience in different technical and commercial aspects of prop-tech and geospatial data.
"We have a community of over 1,800 that's made up of other founders and all kinds of subject-matter experts," Alex adds, "Our founders tell us it's one of the most engaged online communities they've experienced."
When thinking about the kind of business that might benefit from engaging with Geovation Scotland, it's important to remember that while Geovation Scotland is data specific, it's sector agnostic.
They've helped a range of companies in greentech, agritech, proptech, cleantech, spacetech, and fintech. A recent accelerator member, Grand Bequest, is looking at how to connect investors with local communities to get old buildings used again, while another, Eolas Insight, uses earth observation data and location data to track large herbivores from space!
From tracking Red Deer to dilapidated buildings and anything in between, Geovation Scotland is uniquely equipped to support companies interested in using location, land, or property data.
So, if you're building a company in any kind of proptech, spacetech, or dealing with location data in Scotland, you should absolutely check out the accelerator and community that Geovation Scotland leads.
In a few weeks we'll deep dive into Geovation Scotland's Accelerator programme, but in the meantime, be sure to check out the most recent cohort, and remember, applications are open for their next programme which starts in June!
Geovation Scotland is the only organisation specifically designed to support early-stage startups innovating in land, property, and location technologies in Scotland.
Follow Geovation Scotland for updates, and for more information about their accelerator programme here.
📅 Events
🌱 18/03, 09:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Making The Most Of Your Marketing: How to Grow on A Tight Budget - Startup Grind: Are you looking to grow your business but struggling to plan your marketing around your tight/bootstrapped budget? Then join this marketing workshop, curated for Startup founders and leaders, where we will help you shape your thinking for your marketing strategy with limited resources. MORE INFO
🖼️ 18/03, 16:30 🗺️ Glasgow: KTP Images Showcase 2024: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) are funded by Innovate UK and link forward thinking organisations with the UK’s world class universities to deliver innovation projects led by inspired graduates. MORE INFO
🛠️ 19/03, 11:30 🗺️ Online: Fair Work Workshop: What's the event about? This is a fully funded workshop which will help participating companies to understand the benefits of fair work. MORE INFO
👩💻 19/03, 17:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Digital Skills 4 Girls: Nature Adventure Video Workshop [Edinburgh]: This session is led by Kinga Kusak, Senior Content Marketing Manager at PlayPlay, and we'll be using PlayPlay to create videos! MORE INFO
👩💻 19/03, 17:30 🗺️ Striling: Digital Skills 4 Girls [Stirling]: Digital Skills 4 Girls is a monthly workshop for girls and non-binary people who want to learn new digital skills or develop existing skills. The recommended age for attendance is 10-15. MORE INFO
🛠️ 20/03, 09:00 🗺️ Forres: Scottish Enterprise/SMAS Continuous Improvement Workshop Forres: Join this breakfast event to learn about productivity-boosting Lean techniques through fun interactive exercises. MORE INFO
🔌 20/03, 12:00 🗺️ Jedburgh: Unplugged @ Hometown Hub, Jedburgh: In partnership with Hometown Hub, this event is for anyone looking to learn more about what Techscaler is and what it has to offer the tech sector in the Borders. MORE INFO
📌 21/03, 09:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Is starting a co-op right for you? (Edinburgh): Starting a new business or looking for a different approach to your existing business or community venture? A co-op could be the answer. MORE INFO
🏢 21/03, 13:30 🗺️ Dundee: Dundee & Tayside Founders Office Hours: ake advantage of this opportunity to receive personalised guidance from one of our experts from Blackadders LLP, EQ Chartered Accountants, and the CodeBase Education team. MORE INFO
🔌 21/03, 16:00 🗺️ Ellon: Unplugged Ellon: Open to everyone, CodeBase Unplugged is a networking event for professionals working in, or interested in, tech startups. MORE INFO
💬 21/03, 17:30 🗺️ Inverness: Inverness Social: Games in the Hub (Highlands & Islands): This is an informal get-together and everyone is welcome - whether you’re a startup founder, working in tech or just curious. MORE INFO
⚙️ 25/03, 12:00 🗺️ Online: Productivity and Retention Benefits that flexible working can bring: Join this interactive masterclass and develop your understanding of the benefits to businesses of flexible working. MORE INFO
🍀 26/03, 08:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Greentech Meetup with Creative Edinburgh: Join the Edinburgh Greentech Futures community for a meetup in partnership with Creative Edinburgh. MORE INFO
🥐 26/03, 08:30 🗺️ Paisley: SE Breakfast Workshop – Engaging your people through Lean: Join our free breakfast workshop and learn how lean manufacturing can engage staff and create sustainable change that benefits your company. MORE INFO
📅 26/03, 10:00 🗺️ Aberdeen: Eagle Has landed - Barclays Eagle labs March Drop in Clinic: Drop in and let’s have an open discussions about your business goals and ambition and learn more about how your ecosystem manager here at Eagle Labs can support you and your business here at One Tech Hub. MORE INFO
🎤 26/03, 11:00 🗺️ Inverness: Inverness Pitch Club: A supportive and welcoming environment which gives you the opportunity to practice your pitching skills and gain confidence in talking about your business. MORE INFO
📣 26/03, 12:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Presentation Club [Edinburgh]: A space to practice presenting and pitching in a safe, low-stakes environment, with the opportunity to get feedback from peers. MORE INFO
🔓 26/03, 17:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Unlocking Product Excellence: Navigating the Future of Product Ops: The reason why Product Operations is growing as a new Product discipline, once you have it you won’t be able to live without it. MORE INFO
🤝 26/03, 18:00 🗺️ Dundee: Dundee Data Meetup: Welcome to the monthly recurring Dundee Data Meetup, a vibrant community-driven event that brings together curious learners, data enthusiasts and professionals to explore the captivating world of data and its applications. MORE INFO
🥂 26/03, 18:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: #geomobEDI: Geomob is an event series and podcast for geospatial enthusiasts. MORE INFO
💊 27/03, 08:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Edinburgh Medtech Forums: Join us at the Edinburgh Medtech Forums on March 27th, 2024 for an exciting in-person gathering of medtech enthusiasts! MORE INFO
🔐 27/03, 08:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Scot-Secure 2024 – Cyber Security Summit: Scot-Secure is Scotland’s largest annual cyber security conference. The event brings together senior InfoSec personnel, IT leaders, academics, security researchers and law enforcement, providing a unique forum for knowledge exchange, discussion and high-level networking. MORE INFO
🌡️ 27/03, 09:00 🗺️ Glasgow: Clean Heat 2024: We’ll bring together public, private and third sector organisations to share knowledge and expertise on what’s driving growth in Clean Heat. MORE INFO
🚀 27/03, 09:30 🗺️ Galashiels: Launching Your Tech Idea [Galashiels]: Session 3 of our Intro to Tech Series - brought to you by South of Scotland Enterprise, SRUC, Borders College & Techscale. MORE INFO
🎯 27/03, 10:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Data and AI in Action: Part of a series of four workshops aimed at Scottish SMEs that show how utilising data and AI can grow your business. MORE INFO
⛓ 27/03, 17:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Monthly Scottish Blockchain Meetup: Welcome to the Monthly Scottish Blockchain Meetup at the Bayes Centre in Edinburgh. The event takes place at the ground floor in G.03. MORE INFO
👨💻 27/03, 17:00 🗺️ Aberdeen: NoCode Demystified! A Workshop for Startup Founders by Oli Littlejohn: Are you looking to create a prototype for your tech startup concept but concerned about lacking technical skills? Join the NoCode Demystified workshop designed specifically for startup founders and leaders. We'll guide you in building your prototype without the need for extensive technical expertise. MORE INFO
🗓️ 27/03, 17:15 🗺️ Edinburgh: Barclays Eagle Labs and CodeBase monthly Quiz - Edinburgh (March): Join us for this month's pub quiz - bringing together the CodeBase and Edinburgh community for a bit of fun! MORE INFO
🎯 27/03, 18:00 🗺️ Dundee: Eden Tay Founders Community: Join the EdenTay Founders Community for entrepreneurs coming from the Tay Cities universities 🚀 MORE INFO
👥 27/03, 18:30 🗺️ Edinburgh: Entrepreneurs Social Club (ESC) - March 2024: Welcome to our monthly Entrepreneurs Social Club (ESC) gathering! Skip the talks, presentations and lectures - in favour of going straight to the bar, where real connections are made! MORE INFO
💡 28/03, 12:00 🗺️ Edinburgh: Idea Factory: Idea Fest with Forth Valley College Falkirk: This event, hosted in collaboration with Forth Valley College Falkirk, is a dynamic event designed to inspire innovation and collaborative thinking within the tech community. MORE INFO
🌐 28/03, 17:00 🗺️ Stirling: The Social at CodeBase Stirling: Open to everyone, this is an in-person celebration to connect and catch up with the CodeBase and Central Scotland community. MORE INFO
🥂 28/03, 18:00 🗺️ Glasgow: StartupGrind March Mixer: We'll dive into interviews with founders, investors, and community champions. Then, it's your time to shine during the community open mic session – share your wins, seek advice, and connect with your fellow founders! MORE INFO
🎯 Deadlines
🇬🇧 Upcoming Innovate UK deadlines:
Unlocking nature positive private investment Applications close 10 April
UK-Switzerland CR&D Round 2 Applications close 1 May
UK - Germany Bilateral: Collaborative R&D Round 3 Applications close 3 June
Are we missing your event or deadline? 👉 Submit it here!
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That’s all for this week - have a great one!
Team 🔥 Campfire
✨️🙏